News Update from Town Hall - April 30, 2021
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A year ago, when I wrote my first Newsletter comments, we were confronted with the first days of the COVID-19 pandemic. I spoke of the road ahead and the impact it would have on our lives. I compared it with a difficult deployment I experienced while on Marine Corps active duty. It has turned out to be even more difficult!
Now a year later, the sun is breaking through the clouds. A high percentage of our residents are now vaccinated, greatly reducing the chance of being infected by the virus and significantly lowering the impact of those unfortunate few, who although vaccinated still get the virus. But, as with any storm, there will be periods of squally weather (difficult days) ahead but with each month things will improve. As Chief Steedman has said in his comments, with the cooperation of all, our Town has come through the storm to this point with relatively limited impact. And for that, we can all be grateful. However, in the days ahead we all need to take care not to become lax in our deportment. All of us need to keep in mind the old adage: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Turning to Town business, April has ended on a busy note. I will start with the Town annual reorganization meeting result;
- Tracy Larcher was sworn as a new Commissioner.
- Janet Kortenhaus and Brian Tyler were selected as new Commissioners. As you will recall, both of these candidates were disqualified from standing for election because of a small technical error on their applications. One position was for the remaining one year of a term, the other a full two years term. By a coin toss, it was determined that Janet Kortenhaus will serve for two years and Brian Tyler for one.
- The annual audit presentation was given. Once again, the Town received a very clean (positive) report, meaning we are in a very solid financial position.
- The mid-year budget estimate was present by Wendy Wells, as summarized: The end of March marked the middle of the Town’s fiscal year. After reviewing the current position and projecting our year-end outcome, we expect a favorable budget variance at year-end. Revenue will likely come in close to budget. Expenditures are projected to have a favorable variance as well. There were 3 departments with projected overages that were adjusted with Budget Amendment #2 at the April Commission meeting. The increases came from contingency. The Town remains in a strong financial position.
Usually, the mid-year Budget review is the main event at the April Commission meeting. However, this year a discussion of plans to improve the financial performance of the Community Center took center stage.
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Frank Zizzamia gave an extensive update on the Community Center Project. As I’ve communicated in past Town Newsletters, the Community Center runs a deficit of approximately $30K per year and that is without major improvements like a new roof. Our goal is to convert that deficit into a modest surplus to ensure the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Community Center for all the Town residents. At the request of the Commissioners in April 2020, Frank Z. has been working with a team of Town residents (Janet Kortenhaus, Laura Ahern, and Brian Tyler) to identify a professional event management company to manage and operate the Community Center for the Town. The goal is to reasonably increase the number of nonresident events per year which would provide an ongoing revenue stream to the Town.
Frank and the team went through a top notch selection process and have recommended Special Event Resource and Design of West Palm Beach as the business partner. At the April 26th Commission Meeting it was clear that the community needs additional information to get more comfortable with moving forward with this proposal. Frank is going to reach out and connect with the civic groups to level set on the project details and address any remaining civic group questions. We expect to have this completed for the May Commission Meeting. Assuming that we move forward with this proposal, our commitment to the community is to utilize all revenue from the management contract to maintain the Community Center and to further subsidize the Environmental Committee for the beautification of the Town. I would expect that in the interest of transparency and ongoing community communications we would periodically report back to the residents the actual financials associated with this project, i.e., revenue received and allocations to building maintenance and the Environmental Committee.
And that is a wrap for April. For those who are returning North for the summer, have a good trip and enjoy the Northland’s cooler weather. Those of us who stay in Town year-round will hold the fort until you return.
Cheers and good fortune to all.
Alan
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TREVOR STEEDMAN - FIRE CHIEF
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The COVID-19 daily lab positivity rates for Palm Beach County have experienced a slight uptick over the past several weeks. County Health Officials remain cautiously optimistic as the hospitalization and death rates are low and a significant cross-section of the County’s population has been vaccinated. In Palm Beach Shores, our Census Tract numbers for new cases of COVID-19 have continued their favorable trajectory, indicating “Not Enough Data”. This translates to a scant number of cases, if any, currently in our Community – Keep Up the Great Work!
The CDC has recently relaxed some of its mask/facial covering guidelines specific to outdoor spaces. A helpful link to find this information is https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html. In short, the CDC recommends that people assess their own level of risk and use a common-sense approach to engaging in a variety of activities. Part of the personal risk assessment includes individual health vulnerabilities and whether the person is vaccinated. According to their recent update, “If you are fully vaccinated you can start doing many things that you had stopped doing because of the pandemic. When choosing safer activities, consider how COVID-19 is spreading in your community, the number of people participating in the activity, and the location of the activity. Outdoor visits and activities are safer than indoor activities, and fully vaccinated people can participate in some indoor events safely, without much risk.” The members of our Community have governed themselves exceptionally well through this pandemic, as evidenced by our minimal case numbers. I have no doubt that the trend will continue as our Community members continue to re-engage in “normal” life activities.
We are another month closer to Hurricane Season. Preparation and self-sufficiency at the personal and local level are paramount to the best possible outcome. To that end, the Town is exploring a Community Emergency Supply Cache that would ensure the availability of basic food and water needs for our residents in the initial, critical days following a hurricane. A detailed discussion of this concept will occur at the May Commission Workshop. Some helpful hurricane preparation links are listed below:
or
An extensive, one-page preparation checklist can be found at:
One more Public Safety Announcement:
To our two-legged and four-legged citizens - The approach to summer means daily temperatures continue to rise. Paved surfaces and beach sand can become dangerously hot and cause serious burns to bare feet/paws. In addition to checking these surfaces for our unshod, furry friends, some humans with certain medical conditions are also at higher risk. For example, Diabetes sufferers may develop Diabetic Neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that most often damages nerves in your legs and feet. This results in a loss of the individual’s sensory ability to feel painful stimuli like sharp or hot objects. This lack of pain response can unknowingly lead to serious puncture injuries, burns, etc. that are difficult to heal and become prone to infection. Enjoy the outdoors and be careful out there!
Again, THANK YOU to all those who supported our Volunteer Fire Association fundraising efforts last month. Donations are still coming in and we had a phenomenal year. This was due to not only to the fantastic support of the PBS community, but the substantial generosity and contributions of the Sailfish Marina, Fleming Family Foundation, and an exceptional gift quietly donated by a local family. The PBSFD is grateful to serve in such a wonderful community.
As always, please reach out with questions or if we can be of any assistance. tsteedman@pbsfire.org or (561) 296-3380
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STEVE LANGEVIN - SGT. - DISTRICT #20 |
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As some of you begin to try to return to areas north please remember to let us know when you will be leaving and an idea of when you will be returning. Please call Mary or myself, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM at 561-844-9269, or email me at langevins@pbso.org. We will put you on the closed house list and deputies will check your property.
With the addition of the speed trailer moved about Town, along with stepped-up patrol, we have been able to slow traffic on Bamboo and Tacoma and curtail stop signs running in those areas.
History shows this is temporary, as we have many visitors weekly throughout Town. I have spoken to area businesses and they have been very cooperative and understand what we are trying to do.
While we prepare for and pray one will not come, hurricane season starts soon. Please call or stop in at the police station/Sheriff’s district office to pick up a hurricane pass to assist in gaining access to the Town after a hurricane. We have ordered two 4X4 patrol pickup trucks which should be here about that time. As you know, we plan for the worst and hope for the best.
While the “creepers”, those are folks who walk the streets just checking for open car doors to steal what is inside, have not visited lately, please remember to lock your doors.
The new camera system locations should be up and running in the next 45 days. We used the system today in an effort to find one person. Supervisors, the helicopter and search and rescue deputies were able to log into our cameras prior to arriving in Town.
As always, call if you need and stay safe.
Sgt. Steve Langevin
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EVYONNE BROWNING - TOWN CLERK |
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PLANNING AND ZONING
The new Planning and Zoning Board Members:
Jerald Cohn
Chairman
Tim Blash
Vice Chairman
Kevin Banks
Member
Jason Prince
Member
Steven Smith
Member
Tony Lembo
Alternate
Tom Martin
Alternate
At Wednesday, April 28, 2021 Meeting:
125 Inlet Way,
F & A Singer Island requested to install an aluminum entry gate in the front of the property. They were approved 4 to 1 with Kevin Banks voting in opposition.
300 Linda Lane
Nicholis Heine requested to demolish the existing home and build a new 1 story single-family home with a pool and pool deck.
They were unanimously approved.
ICON Development had 3 individual projects, each with the same plan details: 150, 200, and 206 Inlet Way
To allow demolition of the 3 buildings and construct a three (3) individual three-story multi-family residential buildings with 5 units in each building for a total of 15 units. Each building will have surface level parking, a pool and pool Deck and associated landscaping on each of the three (3) individual lots.
They were unanimously approved with conditions on each building.
I think this will give you a good report on the April 28th meeting without going into a lot of details.
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HELLO FROM TOWN HALL!
We hope everyone is doing well. It is so good to see the Town getting back into a "new" normal with people walking the parkway, riding their bikes, enjoying the beach, and our civic groups continuing to be creative in hosting "get-togethers!"
VIRTUAL MEETING PROCESSES
We are so thankful to have the virtual meeting process in place which allows resident and guest participation. This process will continue to be a standard for the Town even when we get to reopen and have "in person" attendance as well. This will give you an option to attend all Commission, DRC, and Planning and Zoning meetings wherever you are and however you wish to participate!
Once we are able to utilize the dais in full capacity (meaning every seat is allowed to be used and we would not have to locate Commissioners, board members, attorneys, and presenters on the floor while also maintaining the social distancing requirements), then we will be able to allow more "in person" participation which is something we know is very important to you. However, our virtual process is the next best thing, and we are grateful to have it.
BEACH PARKING STICKERS RENEWALS BEGIN JUNE 29TH FOR RESIDENTS!
We are getting prepared to begin the season with the "new" stickers! The new stickers will be available June 29th for residents and July 1st for non-residents. Please be sure to bring a photo ID as well as your tag numbers and registrations.
Note: If you are a renter, you must rent on a yearly basis, and you need to bring a copy of your one-year lease.
We will also require everyone to wear a mask and have it on before you come inside the building. If you do not have a mask, you will not be allowed inside.
PLEASE BE SURE YOUR STICKER IS PLACED ON YOUR CAR’S RIGHT REAR BUMPER! THAT IS WHERE THE DEPUTIES WILL LOOK TO SEE IF YOU ARE REGISTERED. IF YOUR DECAL IS NOT THERE, THEN THEY WILL ISSUE YOU A TICKET.
THE GUEST PASS NEEDS TO BE PLACED INSIDE THE BACK WINDOW SO IT CAN ALSO BE SEEN BY THE DEPUTIES.
BUILDING PERMITS
The Building Department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Building permits will be accepted from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm only. The building department will close for lunch between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm each day. Please make sure that you have everything you need before you come to Town Hall. If you are not sure if your submittal is complete, please speak with Laura ahead of time and she can walk you through the requirements on submittals.
MISCELLANEOUS
Our notary services are still available, but only to Town residents. IF YOUR DOCUMENT REQUIRES WITNESSES, TOWN HALL CANNOT ASSIST YOU AS WITNESSES, so please bring your own (only 2 people in the lobby at one time). AS A NOTE: THE LOCAL BANKS CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THIS SERVICE.
TAKE CARE AND BE SAFE!
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PALM BEACH SHORES
FLOOD FACTS
Many of you may have seen the Palm Beach Post article on FEMA’s flood maps changes. The article basically states the Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as FEMA, is changing its flood maps and risk zones throughout South Florida. These maps determine if your flood insurance policy is optional or mandatory. With these changes, some homeowners who are currently located in a lower-risk area for flooding will be entering a higher flood risk area known as the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
Palm Beach County is currently dealing with the appeals process about these new changes. As for now, we still must utilize the current maps that were adopted in 2017. Eventually, changes to the flood insurance maps will occur and once they do the Town will notify you if your property changes to a higher risk zone.
For further flood information please visit the Town of Palm Beach Shores website under “Flood Facts” or contact Town Hall at (561) 844-3457.
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Do's & Don't of Trash Collection |
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Just a reminder, please do not place any yard trimmings, debris, and/or bulk items in front, to the side, or on top of any of the utility boxes located on your property. This makes it very difficult for Waste Management to collect this trash because they utilize the large claw from the truck, and we do not want any damage to these boxes.
Also, please do not place your yard debris in any areas of the Town's parkway. As per Town Code Sec 38-5. - Location and preparation of yard trash. All vegetative yard trash, including but not limited to shrubbery, hedge and tree trimmings, palm fronds, grass cuttings and the like shall be kept separate from all other garbage, solid waste, and recyclable material and shall be placed on the easement strip on your property nearest to the street for collection by Waste Management.
Thank you,
Orlando Rodriguez
Code Enforcement Officer
CRS Coordinator
Grants Coordinator
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The Seasiders would like to thank all Seasiders & Town residents who donated to our Fund Raising Campaign. We were able to raise almost $9000.00 to support our local charities. We are in the process of distributing these funds in combination with the funds we raised from our Holiday Market & Valentine Flower Sale which you also helped generously support.
A special thanks to the Town Hall staff for handling the drop offs of the checks for us!
THANK YOU!!
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"Connecting the Interests, Ideas, and Energy of our Community" |
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April was a busy and fun month for the POA:
10 New Members have joined, bringing our total membership to 280 households and close to 500 members.
For membership information please visit our website: PBSPOA.org
Sincere thanks go out to our "Block Captains" for organizing very successful and well attended April "Parties on the Parkway".
Tacoma Lane - Carol Oliver
Claremont Lane - Carol McKenna
Linda Lane - Donna Ward & Tammy Emerson
Sunday May 2nd the POA is sponsoring a combined "Parkway Party" for Bamboo & Sandal Lanes (rained out on 4/11) and Blossom Lane.
As of May 2nd we will have hosted "Parkway Parties" on 8 out of 9 Streets in Town. We are still actively looking for a sponsor for Bravado Lane
Grace Sterrett, our EC Chair presented the POA's proposal for tree replacement on streets and Town Parklands to the Town Council Workshop in April. We continue to work on your behalf to keep Palm Beach Shores the "Garden Spot" that it is known for. Ken Steenson will be heading up the EC's work over the summer & coordinating volunteers to keep the Parkway and other Town locations looking their best!
The POA Board is working on a "Midsummer Party" at the Community Center this year - stay tuned for more details!
Finally, huge thanks go out to YOU, our POA membership. The 2021 season, despite challenges, proved to be fun and successful in keeping people connected and embraced the sense of community that makes Palm Beach Shores
"The Best Little Town in Florida"!
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The Environmental Committee (EC) of the POA had a fun, busy and productive month in April:
- The "Arbor Day" event was well attended - the POA and Town continue to partner to keep Palm Beach Shores a "Tree City"
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- We had Record Turnout for the Beach Clean-Up on April 17th. Thanks go to Myra Koutzen for coordinating the Beach Clean-ups every year.
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CODERED Emergency Notifications
(Particularly useful during hurricanes)
- Follow the instructions to create an account.
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